TOKYO: Japan’s desire to become a dominant force in space has suffered a setback. The country’s much awaited first launch of the H3 rocket failed. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency attributed the failure to engine ignition during the second stage of the launch. With this, the rocket was given the command to self-destruct. Meanwhile, it is not yet clear whether the self-destruct command has reached the rocket.
The H3 rocket was supposed to rival SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. But when the fault was discovered, the hopes were dashed.
The first stage of the rocket launched from the Tanegashima Launch Center went ahead as planned. After that it was realized that the fault had occurred. The command center immediately issued instructions.
The 63 meter long H3 rocket was manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, a famous automobile manufacturer. Mitsubishi spent more than a decade developing the H3. But the mission failed in the first attempt.
The launch of the rocket was scheduled for February 17. It was postponed due to a technical glitch. Shares of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries fell 3.2 percent after the launch failed.
H3’s initial mission was to put into orbit the UAKAEOKA3 satellite, which carries a variety of instruments, including a sensor designed to monitor missile launches.
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